Mauricio Pochettino has firmly defended his decision to reject Christian Pulisic's offer to participate in pre-Gold Cup friendlies, stating, "I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin." This strong statement comes amidst criticism following the USMNT's recent defeats and Pulisic's decision to skip the Gold Cup tournament.
Pulisic, a key player for the USMNT and AC Milan, had offered to play in the friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, but wanted to skip the Gold Cup to rest after a demanding season where he played approximately 120 matches for club and country. Pochettino, however, declined, preferring to work exclusively with the roster he intended to use for the Gold Cup.
The USMNT subsequently lost both friendlies, 2-1 to Turkey and a heavy 4-0 defeat to Switzerland, leading to the team's first four-game losing streak since 2007. This poor performance has intensified the scrutiny on Pochettino's decision to exclude Pulisic, with some questioning the team's direction and the coach's leadership.
Pulisic himself expressed surprise at Pochettino's decision, stating he "didn't understand it," but respected it nonetheless. He emphasized his desire to be part of the team in any capacity during the friendlies but acknowledged the coach's prerogative to stick to his plans. He told CBS Sports Golzazo he respected Pochettino's decision to exclude him but “I didn't understand it.”
Pochettino addressed the situation, making it clear that he wouldn't allow players to dictate their availability. “Players (do) not need to understand or not understand,” Pochettino said. “Players need to listen and to stick with our plan. They cannot dictate the plan. Because if not, OK, we invert — we swap the position, no? That is obvious. The most important thing is that we explain why we decided not to include (him) in the two friendly games. And then if you have some problems, no, that is not my problem to understand.” He compared Pulisic's situation to that of Sergiño Dest, who initially reported to training camp but was later dropped to focus on regaining fitness after recovering from a torn ACL.
Pochettino emphasized that the decision to manage player workload and rest is made in consultation with a team of professional performance doctors and athletic coaches, who assess each player's needs. He understood Pulisic's request but remained firm in his decision to maintain a consistent roster for the entire June/July camp. “Our decision was to go with the same roster,” Pochettino said.
Pulisic has faced heavy criticism from fans and pundits for opting out of the Gold Cup, with some questioning his commitment to the national team. However, Pulisic defended his decision, citing physical concerns and the need to prepare for the upcoming club season and the 2026 World Cup. "Towards the end of the season, my body just started talking to me," Pulisic admitted, explaining that playing additional matches without rest would not be ideal. He also stated, “I don't regret my decision."
Despite the controversy, Pulisic affirmed his commitment to the USMNT and expressed excitement for the future. "I'm hungrier than ever, truly. I'm looking forward to big things to come," he said. He also addressed the criticism, stating, “To question my commitment, especially towards the national team, in my opinion that's way out of line."
The situation highlights the complex dynamics between players and coaches in managing workload and prioritizing different competitions. Pochettino's stance underscores his authority and the importance of adhering to a unified plan, while Pulisic's perspective sheds light on the physical demands faced by top athletes and their need to make informed decisions about their bodies. As the USMNT moves forward, it remains to be seen how this disagreement will impact team chemistry and performance on the field.
